In a high-stakes summit held in Alaska, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, concluded without a formal agreement, but both leaders expressed optimism about the progress made.

A Diplomatic Encounter in Alaska

The summit began with Trump and Putin disembarking their planes simultaneously, greeting each other on a red carpet with a handshake. The two leaders then engaged in what appeared to be a friendly yet animated conversation before proceeding to a nearby vehicle. Despite the cordial atmosphere, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was not invited to the talks, emphasized his country's reliance on the United States, stating there was "no indication" of Russia preparing to end the war.

Progress Without Resolution

During a joint press conference in Anchorage, Trump described the meeting as "very productive," highlighting numerous points of agreement. However, he acknowledged that no deal had been reached to end Russia's war in Ukraine. "There’s no deal until there’s a deal," Trump remarked, adding that he would brief NATO and President Zelenskyy on the discussions. Putin, speaking through an interpreter, praised Trump's efforts, calling them "precious" and hinting at an "understanding" between the two nations. He urged Europe to avoid undermining the progress through "backroom dealings."

Future Diplomatic Engagements

As the press conference concluded, Putin suggested the possibility of a follow-up meeting in Moscow, indicating a willingness to continue diplomatic efforts. The summit ended with Trump leaving the stage without addressing questions from the press, a departure from his usual style.